Advanced threat protection (ATP) is an array of security solutions that defend against complex malware and or hacking-based attacks targeting sensitive data. Advanced threat protection solutions can be available as software or as managed services. ATP solutions can differ in approaches and components, but most of them include some combination of endpoint agents, email gateways, network devices, malware protection systems, and a centralized management that console to synchronized alerts and manage defenses.
Study Shows that roughly 2/3 of the world’s small- and medium-sized businesses are experiencing cyber attacks. Out of that 45% still feel that their cybersecurity is “ineffective” and 39% still do not have an incident response plan in place
What is “Advanced” Threat
Advanced threat basically is an attack by one person or a group stealthily gains access to an organization’s network or an individual’s data and remains undetected for some amount of time.
Advanced Threats mainly coordinate carefully for a specific targets and use sophisticated malware that bypass all the security precautions
Once the attacker has gained access to the network, usually by phishing or installing new malware, they can view company files, conversations, data, and other sensitive documents. By going undetected for an extended period of time, from weeks or months to years in some cases, the attacker can gather significant amounts of company data to use for myriad malicious purposes.
HOW ADVANCED THREAT PROTECTION WORKS
There are three primary goals of advanced threat protection:
1.Early detection (detecting potential threats before they have the opportunity to access critical data or breach systems),
2.Adequate protection (the ability to defend against detected threats swiftly),
3.Response (the ability to mitigate threats and respond to security incidents). To achieve these goals, advanced threat protection services and solutions must offer several components and functions for comprehensive ATP
Data awareness
It’s impossible to understand threats truly capable of causing harm without first having a deep understanding of enterprise data, its sensitivity, value, and other factors that contribute to the formulation of an appropriate response.
Real-time visibility
Without continuous monitoring and real-time visibility, threats are often detected too late. When damage is already done, response can be tremendously costly in terms of both resource utilization and reputation damage.
Context
For true security effectiveness, threat alerts must contain context to allow security teams to effectively prioritize threats and organize response.
When a threat is detected, further analysis may be required. Security services offering ATP typically handle threat analysis, enabling enterprises to conduct business as usual while continuous monitoring, threat analysis, and response occurs behind the scenes. Threats are typically prioritized by potential damage and the classification or sensitivity of the data at risk. Advanced threat protection should address three key areas:
- Halting attacks in progress or mitigating threats before they breach systems
- Disrupting activity in progress or countering actions that have already occurred as a result of a breach
- Interrupting the lifecycle of the attack to ensure that the threat is unable to progress or proceed
